International and Russian experts meet to discuss Russia’s role in a multi-polar world: Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister to address the forum

The first Foresight symposium, “Foresight Russia” will be held on 19-20 June at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Moscow, and will focus on Russia’s role in a multi-polar world. It is the first of an international series entitled “Foresight- forging common futures in a multi-polar world”.

The symposium is organised by the international forum of Deutsche Bank, the Alfred Herrhausen Society, in partnership with the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, and the British think-tank, Policy Network. Foresight is borne out of the idea that we live in a multi-polar world. No country remains in a position to dictate the course of the future, and each approaches global challenges from a perspective shaped by its own historical background, culture and identity. The result is often divergent visions of the future. As Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director of the Alfred Herrhausen Society says, “To avoid a clash of futures, Foresight aims to provide a forum in which future visions can be analysed from ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ perspectives so that we can learn to see ourselves through the eyes of others”.

In Moscow, experts and policy-makers from all over the world including China, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and the U.S. will gather to discuss global challenges that are especially relevant in the Russian context. Russian future visions will be compared and contrasted with those from other parts of the world. Issues to be discussed include the impact of globalisation on governance and identity, energy trade and security, and nuclear non-proliferation in a changing security context. The gathering shall have the honour to be addressed by Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister. Other speakers include Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner; Jose Serra, Governor of the State of Sao Paulo; Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution; K.S. Bajpai, Chairman of the Indian National Security Board; Gong Xianfu, Vice-Chairman, China Institute for International Strategic Studies etc.

After its launch in Russia, Foresight will organise similar events in the U.S, Europe and the other BRIC countries. Russian experts shall be invited to each of these, and Russian perspectives shall form an important part of the discussions throughout the Foresight project.Wolfgang Nowak, Managing Director of the Alfred Herrhausen Society, the International Forum of Deutsche Bank says, “After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has gone through a period of enormous change. It is now, again, a great world power, although different from before. Yet, in today’s multi-polar world, no country is in a position to respond to global challenges on its own. From non-proliferation to the current energy crisis, it is clear that we need new forms of international cooperation. Russia will play an important role in addressing these challenges and in any attempt to forge common futures in our multi-polar world”.

Notes for Press:

A press conference shall be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, 17th June at Ria Novosti, Subowski Boulevard, 4, room 1, 6th floor, 119021 Moscow. You are cordially invited to the press conference and the following lunch.

Attached is a list of high-level participants at the Foresight Russia symposium. These participants shall be available for interviews.